According to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh women do not have adverse mental health issues as a result of natural menopause.  Having said that, how have you been feeling lately?  Many women report varying degrees of anxiety, absentmindedness, or depression during menopause, and it really is no wonder considering all the changes that are going on in their bodies and lives.  When you take a step back and examine all the issues a menopausal woman has to deal with it becomes increasingly difficult to fault her for a mood swing here or there.

Most women arrive at menopause after a gradual decline in estrogen, making it a progressive and somewhat steady process.  Women who arrive at menopause by surgical means, however, are suddenly thrust into a menopausal state by more abrupt means.  Some women welcome the immediate change, while others are irritated by it. 

You may not be too bothered by some of the symptoms of menopause.  Hot flashes…no problem.  Weight gain…not really an issue.  There is, however, something particularly irksome about not being able to control your bladder.  Many menopausal women discover, to their dismay, that they no longer have the bladder control they used to.

Menopause can bring with it a smorgasbord of ailments including headaches, insomnia, hot flashes, and moodiness.   When you include loss of libido and vaginal dryness into the mix, there’s no surprise that some menopausal women simply aren’t in the mood.  Sex can be such a touchy subject (no pun intended), and when you add to it the fact that up until somewhat recently menopause itself used to be considered a taboo topic some women may find it difficult to seek help for the menopausal symptoms affecting their sex life. 

Hormone replacement used to be the norm for women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, but some women are put off by possible contraindications and published studies suggesting hormone replacement therapy isn’t the best route to take.  Other women may prefer a more holistic approach in everything they do, and menopause is no different for them.  For women looking to alleviate some of their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms there are plenty of herbal remedies available on the market.

My mom recently came out to visit me and man-oh-man was she hot.  Allow me to clarify that her visit occurred in the dead of winter…in Nebraska…with snow on the ground.  Despite the chilly conditions she more than once scrambled out to the front porch while hastily tossing her sweater aside.   My children and I sat in awe of her fortitude and apparent disregard for the elements, and this was when I learned that menopause could make a lady a little wacky.

Let’s face it…men are generally not known for their vast understanding of the female body.  They cringe at the mere mention of “female problems,” and just watch the men in a room scramble for cover if menstruation is mentioned.  So, it is not surprising that getting your man to understand menopause takes some doing, but perhaps an informed man will be a compassionate one.

Menopause can be a frightening change for many women.  With such varying symptoms, it’s important to know the facts before you embark on any treatments.  Here’s a list of eight questions you should ask your health care provider....